Bereaved Parents meet in Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK — Informative speakers, inspiring workshops and a candlelit ceremony aim to console parents from across the United States whose children have died. The parents will gather in Little Rock to encourage and learn from one another.

Bereaved Parents of the USA is having its 2010 National Gathering: Rock of Hope, River of Healing event July 9-11 at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center in Little Rock.

“Any time you’ve lost a child, it’s the most horrible thing in the world,” said Diane Rima, a bereaved parent and chairman of the gathering. “This is kind of like a family reunion. You meet parents [from] across the United States and you form a bond with these parents. You just get together to help supporteach other.”

Several speakers - most of whom had lost children - will host workshops to encourage and comfort participants. They include Kay Bevington, founder of Alive Alone Inc., a national support group for parents who have nosurviving children; Amelia and Craig Hammaker, Arkansas Children’s Hospital volunteers who work with parents whose children have died; Hiram Johnson, pastoral counselor; Becky Russell, a registered nurse who worked with grieving parents even before losing her child; Dr. Harold Ivan Smith, motivational speaker and writer; Keith Swett, high school teacher, wresting coach and newspaper columnist; and Lynette Spruiell, co-creator of the Journey Perinatal Bereavement Program at St. Vincent Health System in Little Rock.

Registration fees are $35 per person, up to a maximum of $85 per family. Room rates at the Holiday Inn are about $100 per night. A weekend meal plan, which covers seven meals, is $132 per adult and $78 per child.

For more information about Bereaved Parents of the USA or the 2010 national event, contact Diane or Mike Rima, event chairmen, (501) 627-8585 or e-mail gathering@bereave dparentsusa.org. To register, contact Debby Hunsaker at (501) 847-4102 or e-mail her at KEVDEB91@aol.com.